Last Thursday I was fortunate enough to welcome back some previous clients. Stella and Richard from UK has been on a guided birding trip with me last year and had this week returned to Valencia with family. They had opted to enjoy a short break in this enchanting city, with its diverse cultural attractions, and to include in their plans a day of guided bird watching.

I collected them from their apartment in the chic and historical area known as Barrio Carmen, then we made the short journey to the Valencian Coastal Wetlands. After a morning coffee, we began the walk along the coastal dunes to the first of the day´s lagoons. The skies were already busy with terns making constant fishing trips to feed their young. The nesting colonies here include Common Tern, Whiskered Tern and Little Tern.

The first lagoon held Pochard, Little Grebe, and Black Winged Stilt. As we made our way further along the coast, we enjoyed superbly close views of another of the area´s key breeding species, the Collared Pratincole. We were fortunate to have views of this spectacular bird in flight as well as on the ground.

Collared Pratincole

The next lagoon gave views of Kentish Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Yellow Wagtail, Sardinian Warbler, Great Reed Warbler and Fan Tailed Warbler. As we continued our walk through the reed beds and a little later through pasture land, we had views of Cattle Egret, Turtle Dove, Marsh Harrier and Savi´s Warbler.

White Headed Duck with Common Pochard

The final lagoon of the day provided a beautiful ending to the trip with great views of White Headed Duck, Squacco Heron, Little Bittern, Purple Swamphen, Audouin´s Gull and Reed Bunting.

As we walked the final 15 minutes back to the van we were treated to a stunning view of a Kingfisher perched on a small branch over hanging the water´s edge. The day was brought to a close with Hoopoe and Iberian Grey Shrike.

Iberian Grey Shrike

It had been a super trip, with a good list of species, some quality views, and all in great company. Many thanks to Rich and Stella for making a return visit with their family to this very special corner of Spain.